Coupling apparatus

ABSTRACT

A coupling apparatus for selectively securing a recycling container to a refuse container is provided. The coupling apparatus includes a back plate having first end and a second end and a crossover portion extending the said back plate at the first end. The coupling apparatus also includes a coupling portion extending from the crossover portion, the coupling portion having a generally U-shaped profile, and a retaining member extending from said back plate at the second end and positioned generally beneath the crossover portion. The coupling apparatus further includes an elastomeric member configured for selective attachment to the crossover portion. The coupling portion is configured to receive a handle of a trailing container and the back plate is configured to engage a lower bar of a lead container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/851,657, filed on Aug. 6, 2010, entitled “Coupling Apparatus,” andfurther relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/268,496, filed on Nov.11, 2008, entitled “Coupling Apparatus,” the disclosure of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a coupling apparatus for use with portablecontainers. The invention is intended to promote recycling by reducingthe effort and certain inconveniences required to participate inmunicipal recycling programs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With typical household waste collection, residents roll their wheeledwaste containers out to the street curb to be emptied on specified days.Those residents choosing to recycle their recyclable items store them inseparate bins positioned at the curbside next to the waste container forcollection.

The importance of recycling and the expense of disposing of householdand business refuse has created a demand for greater participation inmunicipal recycling efforts. Many municipalities provide free bins tohouseholds so that recyclable items can be conveniently sorted andstored prior to collection. Some municipalities, business concerns, andschools have instituted incentive programs to encourage conservation andrecycling. Despite such efforts, the overall percentage of householdsthat consistently recycle remains low.

A typical portable waste container 22 and bin 10 are shown in FIG. 1.Bin 10 is rectangular in shape having four planar walls and a centralcavity for placing items into. The shorter ends of the bin are referredto as the grip ends 14, 16. Along the top edge of the bin 10 is areinforced edge 12 that gives rigidity to the bin 10. The reinforcededge 12 is reinforced by a series of ribs that are underneath the edge12 connecting it to the walls of the bin 10 (not shown). On both of thegrip ends 14, 16 of the rectangular bin 10 is a handle 18, 20 that isformed into the reinforced edge 12. The portion of the reinforced edge12 where the handles 18, 20 are located is free of ribs and has planarinside portion (not shown) so that fingers can grip the handles 18, 20to hold the bin 10.

The waste container 22 has a base with four planar walls, a front wall24, a rear wall 26, and two side walls 28, 30. The walls form and insidesurface 94 and an outside surface 96 of the waste container 22. Thebottom of the rear wall 26, at the base, has a wheel axle 34 runningthrough it with two large wheels 32 attached at each end of the wheelaxle 34. At the top of the rear wall 26 is a handle 37. Typically, oncethe waste container 22 is filled it is to taken to a collection site bytilting the waste container 22 onto the wheel axis 36 and rolling thewaste container 22 to a collection site. Therefore, the waste container22 has a rest position 38 and a transport position 40 (rollingposition).

Lack of participation in recycling efforts can be caused by the physicaleffort and inconvenience of transporting multiple containers from thehome to the curbside. While a rollout waste container is relatively easyto move, the recycling bins typically lack wheels, are often heavy, andmust be lifted and carried separately in a second or even third trip.For many residents, the need alone to make multiple trips from the hometo the curb is enough to discourage recycling.

What is needed is an apparatus that can easily attach an empty recyclingbin to a waste container while the bin is empty. This way it can befilled while already attached to a waste container, eliminating the needto lift a full recycling bin and trying to hook it on a hanger, orcarrying the recycling bin to the curb. In addition, what is needed isan apparatus that can easily attach a filled recycling bin to a wastecontainer for transport.

A caddy for carrying bins is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,915. Thecaddy provides for the stackable storage of various size bins used forholding items such as mail, recycling materials, and piece partsallowing each bin to rotate when the device is tilted during movement ofthe bins so as to prevent spillage of the items placed within the bins.When used for holding of recycling bins, a homeowner may move the binsfrom the home to the curb without lifting of the bins yet provide easeof access. The bins are maintained in substantially parallel andhorizontal plane to the ground when placed in an upright and tiltedposition. Wheels and a handle of the device are predisposed to operateas a stand to assist in maintaining the positional rotation of each bin.

The problem with U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,915 is that more than one trip isstill required to take out the waste container and the bins. The cart iscumbersome, not easily stored, and can require time consumingadjustment. Further, the device of the U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,915 does notallow for coupling of a bin to a waste container.

Prior art coupling devices for enabling the transporting of recyclingbins with a waste container are deficient largely in that they are madeof a wire-shaped structure or the like. Due to the wire-shaped design,most of the force of the weight of the recycling bin is concentrated onthe wire hook portions. This can lead to the deformation of the wirehanger, the recycling bin, or the waste container. Also, when liftingthe recycling bin up to the hooks, great attention must be paid so thatboth hook portions are in contact with the recycling bin or it willcause the hook(s) to deform and possibly cause the contents of therecycling bin to spill. Because all of the weight of a bin and itscontents are placed on the wire hooks, the wire has to be substantiallythick in diameter, this makes it harder to couple a bin to the hooksbecause there is not much clearance between the wall and the inside ofthe overhanging edge of a bin.

A further disadvantage of wire-shaped configurations is that therecycling bin or the like are often configured with a series oflaterally spaced ribs around the periphery of the bin surface and binsurface lip. The wire-shaped bracket or hook must then be adjusted toavoid being in registration with a rib; otherwise the bracket will notengage the bin properly. The edge of the recycling bin where the ribsare located are not designed to carry the load of the bin and itscontents. Additionally, wire-shaped prior art devices due to their lackof rigidity can be easily bent even when not in use. For example,dropping or stepping on a wire-shaped structure could cause it to deformor possibly break making the structure unusable. Further, for thewire-shaped designs to hold a bin with any stability the hooks of thedesign must be spread out as far as possible (beyond the width of a binhandle). Due to the lack of rigidity of the wire-shaped devices it maynot be possible to keep the bin and its contents stable. Further, therepeated bending of the wire-shaped devices can lead to fatigue andbreakage of the wire-shaped devices.

Other prior art devices for enabling the transport of bins have arectangular frame that hooks onto the outside of a waste container. Therectangular frame catches on the bottom of the outer rolled edge of therecycling bin providing support. The problem with devices of this typeis that the recycling bin has to be lifted up and over the frame so thatthe recycling bin can be placed inside or taken out of the frame. Thiscan be difficult for many people, especially if the bin is filled withrecyclable items. If a bin is improperly set on/in the frame, the framecould easily be bent or twisted from the weight of the bin and itscontents. Another problem with these types of assemblies is that theyare bulky due to the fact that they have to fit around the outside of arecycling bin. Due to their inherent bulk they can get in the way andare not easily stored when not in use. Further, the rectangular framewould have to be adjusted for different size bins, resulting in moreeffort and time being taken.

A further problem with the rectangular framed and wire shaped prior artdevices is that when the waste container and recycling bin is tipped sothat they can be rolled to its desired location, the recycling bin'sorientation is not parallel to the ground (level) allowing spilling ofthe items inside the recycling bin.

Still, another problem with the above mentioned devices is that they donot utilize a grip that recycling bins have formed into them. Thesegrips are reinforced so that a recycling bin can be carried by thesegrips without damage to the bin. The wire frame type devices contact thelip/ribs of the bin, which are not designed to carry a load and usuallyresults in damage to the recycling bin. Further, the device that uses arectangular frame to support a bin around the edges is again subject tothe weakness of the ribs of the container because they are not designedto carry the load of a recycling bin and its contents.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by enablingthe transport of recyclable items contained in one or more separate binstogether with the waste container from the home to the curbside in asingle trip.

In addition to the above-noted inconveniences associated with wheeledrefuse containers and standard recycling bins, many towns andmunicipalities across the nation are now switching to, or have alreadyswitched to, a single-stream recycling system in which all paper fibersand containers are mixed together in a collection truck, instead ofbeing sorted into separate commodities (newspaper, cardboard, plastic,glass, etc.) and separate bins by the resident and handled separatelythroughout the collection process. The switch to single stream recyclinghas been driven by an effort to improve recovery rates. In such asystem, collection of recyclable items is facilitated by the use ofanother wheeled container or cart, identical or substantially similar toa wheeled refuse container, instead of the smaller and, heretoforestandard, rectangular recycling bins. These new single stream containersare generally 64 gallons and have a similar configuration to existingwheeled refuse containers.

As will be readily appreciated, the switch to a large, wheeled containerfor recyclable materials now requires residents in these municipalitiesto wheel at least two large, wheeled containers to the curb, one forstandard refuse and one for single-stream recycling. Notably, none ofthe above-mentioned prior art devices are capable of making the task ofwheeling two large containers any easier for residents participating insingle-stream recycling programs.

In view of these problems and concerns associated with refuse and singlestream recycling participation, there is a need for a device thatenables the transport of recyclable items contained in one or moreseparate wheeled containers, together with the waste/refuse container,from the home to the curbside in a single trip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a coupling apparatus adaptedfor use with a waste container, and for coupling a recycling bin orwaste-size wheeled recycling container so that users need to make only asingle trip from the home to the street curb when transporting theirwaste and recyclable items for collection.

It is another object of the invention to provide a coupling apparatusthat easily attaches a filled bin, which can be of substantial weight,to a rollout container without having to lift the entire bin off theground, making it manageable for senior citizens or others typically oflesser strength to participate in recycling efforts.

It is another object of the invention to provide a coupling apparatusattachment that is durable and hard to deform.

It is another object of the invention to provide a coupling apparatusthat is relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

It is another object of the invention to provide a coupling apparatusthat is relatively lightweight.

It is another object of the invention to provide a coupling apparatusthat holds a bin substantially level when at rest and when the containeris tilted for transport to avoid spillage of the bin's contents.

It another object of the invention to provide a coupling apparatus thathas no welds, rivets, or moving parts.

It is another object of the invention to provide a coupling apparatusthat which is easily removed from and applied to the waste containerwithout damaging the walls of the container or bin, and will notinterfere with trash collection efforts.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a couplingapparatus that can be easily removed from a container and stored whennot in use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a couplingapparatus that can remain attached to the handle of a container beingtowed so as to be positioned and ready for reuse.

It is another object of the invention to provide a coupling apparatus inwhich a bin can be attached to a waste container without lifting up theentire bin.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a couplingapparatus which allows an empty bin to be attached to a waste containerand then filled so that when the bin is full it is already attached tothe waste container and can be brought to a waste collection site in onetrip.

It is another object of the invention to enable the transport ofmultiple bins together with a portable waste container from the home tothe street curb in a single trip.

It is another object of the invention to reduce the physical effortrequired to transport bins to a collection site.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a couplingapparatus that facilitates the steerability of multiple containers atonce.

According to one aspect of the present invention; a coupling apparatusincludes a coupler group adapted for securing the apparatus to acontainer. A receiver group is rigidly attached to a coupler group by anextender having a first and second end, and is adapted for securing abin used for containing articles. The container and bin are movabletogether in a single trip between a storage site and a waste collectionsite. The term “bin” is defined broadly herein to include any container,such as but not limited to a box, frame, or bag used for storage. Theterm “rigid”, “rigidly”, or “rigidity” is defined herein assubstantially inflexible, unyielding, having the ability to avoidtwisting, bending and/or warping.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the coupler groupincludes a back plate having a length and a width that lies in a firstplane, an extender having a first end and a second end, wherein saidfirst end is rigidly connected to an end of said back plate and lies ina second plane at a first angle to said first plane of said back plateand having a width coextensive with width of the back plate.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the receiver groupincludes a receiver back plate rigidly connected to the second end ofsaid extender lying in a third plane at a second angle to said secondplane of said extender. A receiver lip is rigidly connected to saidreceiver back plate lying in a plane at a v-shaped groove angle from thesaid third plane of said receiver back plate, wherein said receiver backplate and said receiver lip form a v-shaped groove.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first angle, thesecond angle, and the v-shaped groove angle are chosen so that a bin isapproximately level in both a rest position and a transport position toavoid spillage of any bin contents.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first angle isabout 95 degrees, the second angle is about 100 degrees, and thev-shaped groove angle is about 30 degrees.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the coupling apparatusis formed of a continuous piece of metal.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the couplingapparatus is made of rigidly connected braces.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a couplingapparatus includes a back plate, a substantially planar crossoverportion extending from the back plate, and a coupling portion extendingfrom the crossover portion. The back plate and the crossover portiondefine an angle of approximately 40 degrees therebetween. The couplingportion has a generally U-shaped profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustration of a typical container andbin.

FIG. 2A is a simplified schematic illustration of a bin, a couplingapparatus of the present invention, and a container in a rest position.

FIG. 2B is a simplified schematic illustration of the bin, couplingapparatus of FIG. 2A shown with the container in a transport position.

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic illustration of a perspective view of acoupling apparatus provided by the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic illustration of a side cross sectionalview of the coupling apparatus of FIG. 3, showing a first plane in whicha back plate lies, a second plane in which a extender lies, a thirdplane in which a receiver back plate lies, and a fourth plane in which areceiver lip lies;

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic illustration of an enlarged view of thecoupler group and a receiver group of the coupling apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is simplified schematic illustration of the coupling apparatus ofFIG. 3 in a standard mount configuration;

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic illustration of the coupling apparatusof FIG. 3 in a lip mount configuration;

FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic illustration of the coupling apparatusof FIG. 3 in a dual mount configuration;

FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic illustration of the coupling apparatusof FIG. 1 in a hidden mount configuration;

FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic illustration of the coupling apparatusof FIG. 1 mounted on a recessed bar of a typical waste container;

FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic illustration of the coupling apparatusof FIG. 1 mounted on an upper lip edge of a typical waste container; and

FIG. 12 is a simplified schematic illustration of the coupling apparatusof FIG. 1 made of rigidly connected braces.

FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic illustration of a waste container withan integrated coupling apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a simplified schematic illustration of a bin with anintegrated coupling apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a simplified schematic illustration of a typical rollingrefuse container and rolling single-stream recycling container.

FIG. 16 is a simplified schematic illustration of a rolling refusecontainer and a rolling recycling container coupled together using thecoupling apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 16 a is a simplified schematic illustration of the couplingapparatus of the present invention coupling a rolling refuse containerwith a rolling recycling container.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a coupling apparatus in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the coupling apparatus of FIG. 17in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a coupling apparatus in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the coupling apparatus of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the coupling apparatus of FIG. 19in a coupling position on a recycling container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 2, a coupling apparatus 42 according to thepresent invention is illustrated coupling a bin 10 to a container 22.The coupling apparatus 42 is especially adapted for use on aresidential, rollout waste container 22. The coupling apparatus 42 isdesigned to hold a recycling bin 10 used for storing recyclable items,such that a rollout waste container 22 and a recycling bin 10 can beconveniently transported together in a single trip between a storagesite in or near a home and a collection site near the street curb. It isunderstood that the coupling apparatus 42 may be used forcarrying/holding bins 10 of different sizes and shapes including thosesuitable for storing yard debris, such as leaves, fallen branches, andthe like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the coupling apparatus 42 allows an emptybin 10 to be attached to a waste container 22 and filled with recyclableitems, so that the bin 10 does not have to be lifted when full and canbe brought to its collection site without carrying it separately. Thecoupling apparatus 42 is designed so that the bin 10 when coupled to awaste container 22 remains substantially level, in both the restposition 38 and when being tilted back into the transport position 40.Being level prevents the contents of the bin 10 from spilling.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a coupling apparatus 42. The portion ofthe coupling apparatus 42 that is encircled by the dotted lines is thecoupler group 74. FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the couplingapparatus 42. The coupling apparatus 42 can be one piece, or multiplepieces, but should be made sufficiently rigid so that there is littleflex.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the coupling apparatus 42, in apreferred embodiment, is comprised of a single piece of bent metal suchas, but not limited to, aluminum or steel. The coupling apparatus 42 issized so that it will fit either on the upper lid edge 88 of the wastecontainer 22 or the recessed bar 90 of the waste container 22. Thecoupling apparatus 42 can be constructed from a variety of materialswith a tensile strength and rigidity sufficient to support the loadintended, which in standard applications is about 20 pounds, providedits lateral strength maintains the recycling bin's 10 level orientation,such that spilling will not occur. The material of the couplingapparatus 42 is preferably thin to allow for easy engagement of the bin10 to the coupling apparatus 42. The thickness of the metal can beincreased for an application in which the recycling bin 10 and itscontents are heavier than the standard 20 pounds.

Due to the rigid design of the solid piece of metal of the preferredembodiment, the coupling apparatus 42 will not bend or deform due to theload of a full bin 10. This is, in part, because the weight of the bin10 and its contents is distributed across the entire width of thecoupling apparatus 42. Further, there are no rivets, welds, or movingparts in the preferred embodiment that can wear and/or break over time.The coupling apparatus 42 is small, does not require any assembly, andis easily removed and stored when not in use.

The coupling apparatus 42 in its preferred embodiment has a width ofabout 10 cm, a length of approximately 13 cm, and a depth of about 7 cm.The width of the coupling apparatus 42 is chosen such that it will fitinto a handle 18, 22 of a recycling bin 10, which is usually about 4inches or 10 cm wide. The coupling apparatus 42 has an approximatelyplanar back plate 44 with a width and a length that lie in a first planerepresented by the dashed line numbered 23 in FIG. 4. The back plate 44has an outer surface 46 and an inner surface 48. The back plate 44 isrigidly attached to a first end 51 of an extender 50 of approximately 3cm in length and a has a width that is coextensive with the back-plate44 that lies in a second plane indicated by the dotted line 21. Thefirst plane 78 of the back plate 44 and the second plane 80 of theextender 50 are at a first angle 83 to each other.

Rigidly attached to a second end 53 of the extender 50, is a receiverback plate 60, which is about ⅓ the length of the back plate 44, orabout 4 cm. The receiver back plate 60 has a width coextensive with theback plate 44 and the extender 50, and lies in a third plane representedby the line 25. The second plane 80 of the extender 50 and the thirdplane 82 of the receiver back plate 60 are at a second angle 85 to eachother. Following the receiver back plate 60 is a bend 56 that forms anangle referred to as a v-shaped groove angle 84. In a preferredembodiment the v-shape groove angle 84 is about 30 degrees and is bentaway from the first plane 78 of the back plate 44. After the bend 56 isplanar member about 3 cm in length, called a receiver lip 68. Thereceiver lip 68 lies in a fourth plane represented by line 31 in FIG. 4.The fourth plane that the receiver lip 68 lies in is at the v-shapedgroove angle 84 from the third plane 82 that the receiver back platelies in.

The first angle 83, the second angle 85, and the v-shaped groove angle84 along with the lengths of the back plate 44, extender 50, receiverback plate 60 and receiver lip 68 of the coupling apparatus 42 areimportant and selected to ensure easy attachment of a bin 10 to a wastecontainer 22 and to maintain the bin 10 substantially level when thewaste container 22 is in the rest position 38 and transport position 40.The bin 10 being level avoids spillage of the contents of the bin 10.The angles 83, 84, 85 may vary depending on the application and types ofcontainers 22 and bins 10 being used. In the preferred embodiment thefirst angle 83 is about 95 degrees, the second angle 85 is about 100degrees and the v-shaped groove angle 84 is about 30 degrees.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged illustration of a coupler group 74 that isencircled by the dashed line in FIG. 3. The extender 50 is such that aninside of the back plate 44 is a continuous surface which leads into theextender 50 to create an inside surface 52 of a extender 50, an insidesurface 66 of a receiver back plate 60, and then an outside surface 70of a receiver lip 68. The outside surface 64 of the back plate 44 formsa continuous surface, that when followed, forms an outer surface of theextender 50, an outside surface 64 of the receiver back plate 60 betweenthe extender 50 and the bend 56, and then through the bend 56 to form aninside surface 72 of the receiver lip 68. The outside surface 64 of thereceiver back plate 60 and the inside surface 72 of the receiver lip 68,along with the bend 56, form a v-shaped groove 58. The outside surface64 of the receiver back plate 60 and the inside surface 62 of thereceiver lip 68 form an angle called the v-shaped groove angle 84. Thereceiver back plate 60, the bend 56, and the receiver lip 68 that formthe v-shaped groove 58 can be referred to as a receiver group 76 and isencircled by a dotted line in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 6, this illustration shows the coupling apparatus 42in a standard mount configuration shown generally by reference number102. Here, the coupling apparatus 42 is placed over a recessed bar 90 ofthe waste container 22. The inside of the extender 50 rests on therecessed bar 90. FIG. 9 shows an enlarged illustration of the couplingapparatus 42 resting on the recessed bar 90.

One advantage provided by the coupling apparatus 42 is that, in thisconfiguration 102, a full or empty recycling bin 10 can easily be placedonto the coupling apparatus 42 without having to lift the recycling bin10 completely off the ground. (see FIGS. 6, 7) The recycling bin 10 canbe attached to the waste container 22 by merely lifting only a grip end14, 16 (handle end) of the recycling bin 10 and placing it in thev-shaped groove 58 so that a handle 18, 20 of the grip end 14 rests onthe inner portion of the receiver lip 68 and the outside portion of thereceiver back plate 60, which form the v-shaped groove 58. The receiverlip 68 has a length such that the recycling bin 10 will not slip offbecause the receiving lip 40 extends beyond the plane of the recyclingbin 10 (as would fingers of a hand). The recycling bin 10, especiallywhen full, will create a torque on the coupling apparatus 42 making itwant to rotate about the recessed bar 90. The coupling apparatus 42 isprevented from over-rotating due to the back plate 44. When the couplingapparatus 42 rotates, the outside surface 46 of the back plate 44contacts a surface behind 92 the recessed bar 90, stopping the rotationand stabilizing the position of the recycling bin 10 relative to thewaste container 22.

Referring to FIG. 7, the coupling apparatus 42 is in a lid mountconfiguration shown generally by the reference number 104. FIG. 10 showsa zoomed illustration of the coupling apparatus 42 resting on the upperlid edge 88. In a lid mount configuration 104, the inside of theextender 50 rests on the upper lid edge 88. The back plate 44 of thecoupling apparatus 42 is on an inside surface 94 of the waste container22. The inside surface 66 of the receiver back plate 60 rests againstthe outside surface 96 of the waste container 22. The grip end 14 or 16of the bin 10 is placed in the v-shaped groove 58 so that the handle 18or 20 of the grip end 14 or 16 rests on the inner surface 62 of thereceiver lip 68 and the outside surface 64 of the receiver back plate60, which form the v-shaped groove 58 at the v-shaped groove angle 84(see FIG. 5).

The length of the receiver lip 68 is such that the recycling bin 10 willnot slip off because the receiver lip 68 extends beyond the plane of therecycling bin 10 (as would fingers of a hand). The planar receiver lip68 lies flat against the inside of the handle 18 or 20 (not shown). Therecycling bin 10, especially when full, will create a torque on thecoupling apparatus 42 making it want to rotate about the upper lid edge88. The coupling apparatus 42 is prevented from over-rotating due to thelength of the receiver back plate 60. When the coupling apparatus 42rotates, the inside surface 66 of the receiver back plate 60 contactsthe outside surface 96 of the waste container 22 preventing it from overrotating so that the coupling apparatus 42 will support the bin 10. Thelength of the receiver back plate 60 is selected to limit rotation to anangle such that the recycling bin 10 will be substantially level whenthe waste container 54 is both at the rest position 38 and when rotatedto the transport position 40.

FIG. 8 illustrates a dual mount configuration, which combines theconfigurations of FIGS. 6 and 7 and is shown generally by referencenumber 106. In the dual mount configuration 106, one coupling apparatus42 is placed on the upper lid edge 88, and one on the recessed bar 90 ofthe waste container 22, so that two bins 10 can be easily coupled to andmoved along with the waste container 22.

Referring to FIG. 9, it is an illustration of a hidden mountconfiguration, shown generally by the reference number 108. In thisconfiguration 108, the coupling apparatus 42 is placed on the upper lidedge 88 with the back plate 44 on the outside surface 96 of the wastecontainer 22. This allows the bin 10 to be coupled to the wastecontainer 22, so that the bin 10 is inside the waste container 22 andout of site. The hidden mount configuration 108 allows someone to storeboth the waste container 22 and bin 10 in a smaller space.

Further, in this configuration 108, the grip end 14 or 16 of the bin 10is placed in the v-shaped groove 58 so that the grip end 14 or 16 restson the inner surface 72 of the receiver lip 68 and the outside surface64 of the receiver back plate 60, which form the v-shaped groove 58 at av-shaped groove angle 84 (see FIG. 3). The length of the receiver lip 68is such that the recycling bin 10 will not slip off because the receiverlip 68 extends beyond the plane of the recycling bin 10 (as wouldfingers of a hand). The recycling bin 10, especially when full, willcreate a torque on the coupling apparatus 42 making it want to rotateabout the upper lid edge 88. The coupling apparatus 42 is prevented fromover-rotating due to the length of the receiver back plate 60. When thecoupling apparatus 42 rotates, the inside surface 66 of the receiverback plate 60 contacts the inside surface 94 of the waste container 22preventing it from over rotating so that the coupling apparatus 42 willsupport the recycling bin 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. Acoupling apparatus 118 is made of rigidly connected braces referenced bynumbers 110-116. The back plate 120 can be constructed with a framedbrace 110 or multiple braces rigidly connected (not shown). The extender122 can be made of a framed brace 112 or multiple rigidly connectedbraces (not shown). The receiver back plate 124 can be made of a framedbrace 114 or multiple rigidly connected braces (not shown). The receiverlip 126 can be made of a framed brace 116 or multiple rigidly connectedbraces (not shown). The elements (120, 122, 124, and 126) of theinvention can be constructed in many different configurations ormaterials but the elements must be rigidly connected to prevent bending,twisting, and/or warping of the coupling apparatus 118.

FIG. 13 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention. Acoupling apparatus 130 is affixed to a part of the container 200. Thecoupling apparatus 130 can be located on one or more sides of thecontainer 200 as part of the upper lid edge 140 or the surface 192behind the recessed bar 142. The back plate of the coupling portion 144(shown by dotted lines) can be bolted to a wall of the container 200, itcan be glued, or it can be made integral to the container.

The container 200 can have the integrated or affixed coupling apparatus130 at the front top edge 146 or either side top edge 148, 150 as longas the coupling apparatus is rigidly attached to or part of thecontainer 200. The container 200 in the integrated configuration has areceiver group 152 rigidly attached to it.

The receiver group 152 includes an extender 134 that is rigidly attachedto a receiver back plate 136 that over hangs the outside surface 162 ofthe waste container 200. Rigidly attached to the bottom of the receiverback plate 136 is a receiver lip 138. The receiver back plate 136 andthe receiver lip 138 forms a v-shaped groove 158 with a v-shaped grooveangle of about 30 degrees.

In this configuration the supporting of a recycling bin 10 operates asthe embodiments detailed herein above except that when a recycling bin10 is place in the v-shaped groove 158 the extender 134, receiver backplate 136, and receiver lip 138 are prevented from over rotating due tothe integration or attachment of the “back plate” to a side of thecontainer that holds the receiver group 152 rigidly in place.

FIG. 14 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention. Acoupling apparatus 330 is affixed to a part of the bin 300. The couplingapparatus 330 can be located on one or more of the handles 314, 316 ofthe bin as part of the reinforced edge 312. The receiver lip 338 of thereceiver portion 344 (shown by dotted lines) can be bolted to a handle314, 316, it can be glued, or it can be made integral to the bin 300.

The bin 300 can have the integrated or affixed coupling apparatus 330 ateither handle 314, 316 as long as the coupling apparatus is rigidlyattached to or part of the bin 300. The bin 300 in the integratedconfiguration has a coupling group 352 and receiving group 344 rigidlyattached to it.

The receiver group 352 includes an extender 334 that is rigidly attachedto a receiver back plate 336 that is rigidly attached to an extender334. Rigidly attached to the bottom of the receiver back plate 336 is areceiver lip 338. The receiver back plate 336 and the receiver lip 338forms a v-shaped groove 358 with a v-shaped groove angle of about 30degrees.

In this configuration the supporting of a recycling bin 10 operates asthe embodiments detailed herein above except that when a recycling bin10 is place in the v-shaped groove 358 the extender 334, receiver backplate 336, and receiver lip 338 are prevented from over rotating due tothe integration or attachment of the “receiver lip” to the handle 314,316 of a bin 300 that holds the receiver group 344 rigidly in place.

The present invention has many advantages over prior art devices. Oneadvantage of the present invention is that the coupling apparatus 42, ina preferred embodiment, can be made of a single piece of metal providingrigidity and strength not found in prior art devices made of wire or thelike. The coupling apparatus 42 is versatile and can be used in manydifferent configurations including one that takes advantage of arecessed bar 90 that can be found on most waste containers 22.

Another advantage of the present invention over prior art devices isthat the coupling apparatus 42 allows a full bin 10 to be attached to awaste container 22 without having to lift the entire bin 10 off theground; only the grip end 14 or 16 of a bin 10 needs to be lifted toengage the coupling apparatus 42. The receiver group 76 of the couplingapparatus 42 engages a handle 18 or 20 of a bin 10 without overstressingor breaking the bin 10. A further advantage of the present invention isthat the due to the weight of the bin 10 being spread across the entirewidth of the coupling apparatus 42, it will not bend or deform easily.Even further, the coupling apparatus 42 does not need to be adjusted, asprior art devices do, to avoid contact with unwanted parts of a bin 10.

Still another advantage of the present invention over a prior art devicethat has a frame that completely surrounds a bin 10, is that with thepresent invention, the bin 10 does not need to be lifted up and over theframe to be attached to a waste container 22. Also, when not in use thecoupling apparatus 42 is smaller, can be made of a single piece, can bestored easier than the bulky prior art devices, does not require anyadjustment, and is not prone to damage like the prior art devices. Inthe preferred embodiment of the present invention, the couplingapparatus 42 has no rivets, welds, or moving parts that can easily wearand break.

A further advantage of the present invention over prior art devices isthat the coupling apparatus engages a grip end of a bin 10 which isdesigned to support the load of the bin 10 and its contents preventingbreakage of bin. The coupling apparatus 42 of the present inventioncouples the bin 10 to a waste container 22 so that when the wastecontainer 22 is at rest or is tipped to be rolled to a desired locationthe bin 10 is approximately level which minimizes spillage of itscontents while in transit.

As alluded to above, yet another embodiment of the present inventionallows for the coupling of two or more large, waste-size containerstogether, such as a wheeled waste container 422 and a wheeled recyclingcontainer 420, such as those now being employed in many towns andmunicipalities throughout the country that have switched to asingle-stream recycling system. As shown in FIG. 15 these new recyclingcontainers are generally 64 gallons and are substantially the same sizeand configuration as a standard waste or refuse container. As showntherein, rolling recycling container 420 and rolling waste container 422each have handles 426, 428 for allowing a resident to tilt and roll thecontainers to the curb. Each of these containers may also have arecessed bar 90, as discussed above. It should be appreciated that thesewheeled containers, both for refuse and recycling, may come in sizesother than 64 gallons. In view of the switch to single-stream recycling,an alternative embodiment of the present invention is capable ofcoupling two large, wheeled waste-size containers together, i.e., it cancouple a large wheeled recycling container with a standard wheeledrefuse container such that a resident need only take one trip to thecurb to properly place recyclable items and refuse for pickup.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 16 a, an alternative coupling apparatus 424according to the present invention is illustrated coupling rollingrecycling bin 420 to rolling waste or refuse container 422. As with thebin coupling apparatus 42 described above, coupling apparatus 424 isespecially adapted for use on a residential, rollout waste container422. The coupling apparatus 424 is designed to hold or join a rolloutrecycling container 420, used for storing recyclable items, with astandard rollout refuse container 422, such that a rollout wastecontainer 422 and a rollout recycling container 420 can be convenientlytransported together in a single trip between a storage site in or neara home or business and a collection site near the street curb. It willbe readily appreciated that the coupling apparatus 424 may be used forcarrying/holding containers recycling containers 420 of different sizeand shapes, i.e., it is not necessary that the recycling container 420be the same size or the exact same configuration as the waste container422.

Turning now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the alternative coupling apparatus 424of the present invention is shown. As shown therein, the couplingapparatus 424 is comprised of a single piece of bent metal such as, butnot limited to, aluminum or steel. The coupling apparatus 424 may alsobe made of plastic or other suitable materials known in the art. Thecoupling apparatus 424 includes a back plate 430, a crossover portion432 extending substantially transverse to said back plate 430, and acoupling portion 434. The coupling portion 434 is integrally formed withthe crossover portion 432 and includes a first leg 436 oriented at adownward angle of approximately ninety degrees and generally parallel tothe back plate, a second leg 438 transversely extending from the firstleg 436 away from the back plate 430 and oriented generally parallel tothe crossover portion 432, a third leg 440 extending from the second leg438 at an upward angle of approximately ninety degrees and generallyparallel to the back plate 430 and the first leg 436, and an angledretaining leg 442 extending from the third leg 440 at an upward angle ofapproximately forty-five degrees towards the back plate 430.

In the preferred embodiment, the back plate 430 is approximately 3½″inches tall and the crossover portion 432 is 2″. A back plate 430 havingthese specifications enables sufficient contact and support against thefirst/leading container, and the crossover portion 432 having thisdimension facilitates and enables connection to the trailing container,as described in detail below. With respect to the coupling portion 434,the first leg 436 spans approximately 1¼″ down, the second leg 438 1¼″away from the back plate 430, the third leg 440 1¼″ up, and the angledretaining leg 442 ¾″ at a forty-five degree angle inwards, towards theback plate 430. The total length of all of the components of thecoupling apparatus 424 is 10″ and the width is 4″, although otherlengths and configurations of components are possible. It will bereadily appreciated, however, that the coupling apparatus 424 may havecomponents of slightly different specifications, and that the back plate430, crossover portion 432 and first leg 436, second leg 438, third leg440 and angled retaining leg 442 of the coupling portion 434 may beoriented at slightly different angles to one another than thosedisclosed above.

Alternatively, the coupling apparatus 424 is placed first on the metalrod/bar 90 of the leading container such that the rod 90 is received inchannel 444, in the same manner as described above and shown in FIG. 10,and then the trailing container 420 is lowered so as to fit the handle426 of the trailing container 420 within channel 446 of the couplingportion 434 of the coupling apparatus. In most applications, as thehandle 426 of the trailing container 420 is received in channel 446, the¾″ angled retaining leg 442 will snap over the handle 426, therebylocking the coupling apparatus 424 in place. Importantly, the angledretaining leg 442 permits the coupling apparatus to remain in place onthe recycling container 420 (or trailing container) for the next usagewhen coupling container to container.

Alternatively, the coupling apparatus 424 can first be mounted on therecycling container (or trailing container) handle 426 (square or roundconfiguration) and the container 420 may then be lowered or tipped sothat the back plate 430 is positioned over/inside the recessed metalrod/bar 90 located in the middle of the trash container (or leadingcontainer) 422, in the same manner described above in connection withcoupling apparatus 42. As will be readily appreciated, recessed bar 90of the leading container 422 is received in channel 444 of the couplingapparatus 424.

Importantly, the coupling apparatus 424 of the present invention issized and configured to accommodate either the larger rollout recyclingcontainers 420 such as those used in most single stream recyclingsystems, as well as the older style rectangular recycling bins 10.Indeed, the coupling apparatus 424 of the present invention stillpermits the coupling of a recycling bin 10 with a rolling refusecontainer 22, 420 in the same manner as discussed above in connectionwith FIGS. 1-14. This allows for a “one size fits all” couplingapparatus that permits the coupling of a recycling bin, be it a bin or arolling container, to a standard rolling refuse container, provided atleast one of the two containers is equipped with a metal rod 90 or thelike in the center required to retain the back plate 430.

In addition to the coupling of a rolling recycling container to arolling refuse container, multiple coupling apparatuses 424 may beemployed to bring a combination of rolling containers and bins to thecurb in a single trip. For instance, a rollout recycling container 420and a rollout refuse container 422 may be coupled together using acoupling apparatus 424 in the manner heretofore described. In addition,another coupling apparatus 424 may be used on the lip of the recyclingcontainer 424 or on the bar 90 of the recycling container 424 to coupleanother rolling container or a recycling bin 10 in a manner similar tothat shown in FIGS. 6-9. Accordingly, the coupling apparatus 424 of thepresent invention facilitates recycling and refuse collection byallowing a resident to couple an array of recycling and refuse bins andcontainers together so that they can be transported to the curbside in asingle trip.

An additional advantage provided by the present invention is that, whencoupled, the weight of the combined load (refuse and recycling) isdistributed over two sets of wheels, i.e., fours wheels, thereby actingmuch the same as a wagon or flatbed. As such, the pulling force requiredto transport the two rolling containers together is considerably lessthan that required if the load were placed over a single set of wheels,i.e., two wheels. As will be readily appreciated, an operator will notneed twice the pull force when the containers are coupled (assumingequal weight). Indeed, in certain instances less pulling force mayneeded to pull both containers than when compared to pulling theheaviest container separately. This is because the second (trailing)container lays forward and rests/is rigidly connected to the leadingcontainer which essentially distributes the total weight evenly (or nearevenly) to all four wheels as if the load were carried on a wagon.

With reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, a coupling apparatus 500 according toanother embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown therein,the coupling apparatus 500 includes a back plate 502, a substantiallyplanar crossover portion 504 extending from the back plate 502, acoupling portion 506 extending from the crossover portion 504, and aretaining member 507 extending from a distal end of the back plate 502substantially beneath the crossover portion 504. In the preferredembodiment, the angle, α, between the crossover portion 504 and the backplate 502 is approximately 75 degrees, and the angle, between the backplate 502 and retaining member 507 is approximately 90 degrees. In thepreferred embodiment, the back plate 502 is approximately 3 inches inlength and the crossover portion 504 is approximately 3 inches inlength.

As best shown in FIG. 20, the coupling portion 506 has a first leg 508that extends approximately transversely from the crossover portion 504,an arcuate intermediate leg 510 and an angled retaining leg 512 thatextends partially over the arcuate intermediate leg 510 to partiallyclose the coupling portion 506. In an embodiment, the first leg isapproximately 0.8 inches in length, the arcuate intermediate leg 510 hasan inner diameter of approximately 1.5 inches, and the angled retainingleg 512 is approximately 1.25 inches in length. As further showntherein, a dimension, d, between the distal end of the angled retainingleg 512 and the first leg 508, is approximately 0.75 inches. Asdiscussed hereinafter, this dimension is important as it has been foundto accept most standard refuse or recycling container handles withoutbeing too loose as to become disengaged easily therefrom.

Importantly, the coupling apparatus 500 also includes a means forattaching a bungee cord or other elastomeric member or the like to thecoupling apparatus, as discussed hereinafter. With further reference toFIG. 19, the means for attaching a bungee cord may be a through-hole 514in the crossover portion 504. In an embodiment, the through-hole 514 isapproximately 5/16 inches in diameter and is located substantiallyequidistant from the coupling portion 506 and back plate 502. Thethrough-hole 514 is offset approximately ½ inch from the right side ofthe crossover portion, as best shown in FIG. 19.

The coupling apparatus 500 is preferably formed from a single piece ofbent metal such as, but not limited to, aluminum or steel. The couplingapparatus 500 may also be made of plastic or other suitable materialsknown in the art, without departing from the broader aspects of thepresent invention. In an embodiment, the corners and bends in theapparatus 500 are rounded or smoothed to prevent injury or buildup ofstresses. In an embodiment, the width of the coupling apparatus 500 isapproximately 1.5 inches.

With reference to FIG. 21, in operation, the coupling apparatus 500 maybe attached to the handle of a trailing recycling or refuse container550. In particular, the coupling portion 506 may receive the handle ofthe trailing container such that it is retained thereon. Importantly,the angled retaining portion 512 may be urged open as is pressed ontothe handle 552 of the container 550 and then returns to its defaultposition when the handle 552 is fully received within the couplingportion 506. In this position, the coupling apparatus 500 is securelyattached to the handle 552 of the waster container, although it is looseenough so that it may rotate thereabout.

One end-hook of an elastomeric member, such as a bungee cord 554, maythen be attached to the coupling apparatus 500 by inserting the hook ofthe bungee cord through the through-hole 514 in the crossover portion504. The other end-end hook of the bungee cord 554 may be engaged with afront lip 556 of the container 550 or lid thereof such that the bungeecord 554 exerts a pulling force on the coupling apparatus 500. Thispulling force causes the coupling apparatus 500 to rotate about thehandle 552 upwards, to the position shown in FIG. 21. As will be readilyappreciated, in this position, the coupling apparatus 500 is in a betterposition to engage the lower bar of the leading container when thetrailing container 550 is tipped backwards, thereby facilitatingcoupling of the two containers. In particular, once the couplingapparatus 500 is retained in the position shown in FIG. 21, a user maytip the trailing container 550 backwards so that the lower bar on thelead recycling or refuse container passes through the space between thedistal end of the retaining member 507 and the coupling portion 506.

Notably, an angle of approximately 75 degrees between the back plate 502and the crossover portion 504 has been found to place the back plate 502in the proper orientation to best facilitate coupling when used incombination with the bungee cord 554.

A user may then detach the bungee cord 554 from the lid 556, whichenables the coupling apparatus 500 to rotate over the lower bar on thelead container to lock the coupling apparatus 500 on the bar. Inparticular, the coupling apparatus 500 rotates such that the back plate502 is positioned behind the lower bar of the lead container, and theretaining member 507 is position below it, thereby preventing decouplingduring transit.

When the containers reach the final destination, the bungee cord 554 maybe reconnected to the lid 556 of the trailing container 550 to pull thecoupling apparatus 500 back to its original position. Then, by tiltingthe trailing container upwards, the coupling apparatus 500 disconnectsfrom the lead container (and the lower bar thereof) with ease.

As discussed above, the elastomeric member (bungee cord 554) is animportant aspect of the present invention, as it functions to change theangle of the coupling apparatus 500 to facilitate coupling anddecoupling of two containers. Indeed, when the elastomeric member isengaged, it exerts a rotational force on the coupling apparatus 500 toorient the apparatus 500 in position for easy coupling or decoupling ofthe two containers with one another, as discussed above (see FIG. 21).In particular, it orients the apparatus 500 such that the space betweenthe coupling portion 506 and retaining member 507 is in position toreceive the lower bar of the lead container when the trailing containeris tilted towards the lower bar.

When the elastomeric member is disengaged after coupling of thecontainers, the coupling apparatus 500 is able to rotate back to itsinitial position, thereby locking the two containers together so thatthey may be transported as a single unit without the possibility ofinadvertent decoupling. This ability to operate in two modes (i.e., afirst mode to facilitate easy coupling and decoupling, and a second,locking mode to prevent decoupling during transport) has heretofore beenunknown in the art and is simply not possible with existing devices.

Importantly, the coupling apparatus 500 may be left on the container 550when not in use. In particular, as the front hook of the bungee cord 554engages the lip of the lid of the container, the lid may be opened andclosed as normal, even while the coupling apparatus remains engaged withthe handle 552.

With further reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the fact that the crossoverportion 504 is substantially planar is an important aspect of thepresent invention. In particular, the fact that the crossover portion issubstantially planar allows pushing and pulling forces to be transmittedfrom one container to the other to allow a user to push or pull coupledcontainers to curbside for pickup. Moreover, the planar configuration ofthe crossover portion facilitates the “steerability” of the coupledcontainers by transmitting forces from the lead container to the trailcontainer, and vice versa, which is necessary from proper operation. Inaddition to steerability, the coupling apparatus 500 provides all theadvantages, e.g., load distribution, etc., discussed above in connectionwith the other embodiments.

Importantly, while the coupling apparatus 500 has been described inconnection with the coupling of two large containers to one another(such as a rolling waste container and a rolling recycling container),the present invention is not so limited in this regard. In particular,the coupling apparatus 500 may also be utilized to couple a smallrecycling bin to the lower bar of a waste container in a manner similarto that described above in connection with FIGS. 1-10.

While the invention had been described with reference to the preferredembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious obvious changes may be made, and equivalents may be substitutedfor elements thereof, without departing from the essential scope of thepresent invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not belimited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the inventionincludes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A coupling apparatus for selectively securing arecycling container to a refuse container, comprising: a back platehaving first end and a second end; a crossover portion extending fromsaid back plate at said first end; a coupling portion extending fromsaid crossover portion, said coupling portion having a generallyU-shaped profile; a retaining member extending from said back plate atsaid second end and positioned generally beneath said crossover portion;and an elastomeric member configured for selective attachment to saidcrossover portion.
 2. The coupling apparatus of claim 1, wherein: saidattachment means is a through-hole formed in said crossover portion. 3.The coupling apparatus of claim 2, wherein: said through-hole isapproximately 5/16 inches in diameter; and wherein said through-hole isoffset to one side of said coupling apparatus.
 4. The coupling apparatusof claim 1, wherein: said back plate and said retaining member define anangle of approximately 90 degrees therebetween.
 5. The couplingapparatus of claim 1, wherein: said back plate and said crossoverportion define an angle of approximately 75 degrees therebetween.
 6. Thecoupling apparatus of claim 1, wherein: said coupling portion includesan angled retaining leg extending from a terminal end of said couplingportion and extending at least partially over said coupling portiontowards said crossover portion such that said angled retaining leg atleast partially closes said coupling portion.
 7. The coupling apparatusof claim 1, wherein: said back plate has a back plate length; and saidcoupling portion has a coupling portion height, said coupling portionheight being measured in a direction generally perpendicular to saidcrossover portion, said coupling portion height being less than saidback plate length.
 8. A coupling apparatus, comprising: a back plate; asubstantially planar crossover portion extending from said back plate,said back plate and said crossover portion defining an angle ofapproximately 75 degrees therebetween; and a coupling portion extendingfrom said crossover portion, said coupling portion having a generallyU-shaped profile.
 9. The coupling apparatus of claim 8, furthercomprising: a through-hole formed in said crossover portion.
 10. Thecoupling apparatus of claim 8, wherein: said through-hole is offset toone said of said coupling apparatus.
 11. The coupling apparatus of claim8, further comprising: a retaining member extending from a distal end ofsaid back plate and oriented substantially beneath said crossoverportion.
 12. The coupling apparatus of claim 8, wherein: said couplingportion includes an angled retaining leg extending from a terminal endof said coupling portion and extending at least partially over saidcoupling portion towards said crossover portion such that said angledretaining leg at least partially closes said coupling portion.
 13. Thecoupling apparatus of claim 8, wherein: said coupling portion includes afirst leg extending generally perpendicular from said crossover portion,an arcuate intermediate leg, and an angled retaining leg.
 14. Thecoupling apparatus of claim 13, wherein: said arcuate intermediate leghas a diameter of approximately 1.5 inches.
 15. The coupling apparatusof claim 13, wherein: a distance between a distal end of said angledretaining leg and said first leg is approximately 0.75 inches.
 16. Thecoupling apparatus of claim 9, wherein: said through-hole isapproximately 5/16 inches in diameter.
 17. The coupling apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein: said coupling apparatus if formed form a single pieceof metal.
 18. The coupling apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: anelastomeric member attached to said coupling apparatus via saidthrough-hole.
 19. A method of coupling a first container to a secondcontainer, said method comprising the steps of: attaching a couplingapparatus having a back plate, a crossover portion extending from saidback plate and a coupling portion extending from said crossover portionto a handle of said first container; extending an elastomeric memberfrom said crossover portion of said coupling device to a front edge ofsaid first container, said elastomeric member causing said couplingdevice to rotate about said handle; and tipping said first containertoward said second container such that said back plate of said couplingapparatus is received by said second container behind a lower bar ofsaid second container.
 20. The method according to claim 20, wherein:said step of extending an elastomeric member from said crossover portionincludes inserting a hook of said elastomeric member into a through-holein said crossover portion.